Tenders invited for ~696 cr tourism projects, says CM

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 14

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday said that 11 projects with an outlay of Rs 696.47 crore would be executed to give a fillip to the tourism sector in the state.

Sukhu, while presiding over a meeting of the Tourism Department here, said that tenders had been invited for all projects to increase the influx of tourists in the state. “Tourism is a key sector for the economy as it supports the livelihood of thousands of families directly or indirectly,” he added. The projects include convention centres, wellness centres, ice-skating rinks and the beautification of towns, including pilgrimage places.

Pong Dam to be made water sports centre

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The Pong Dam will be transformed into an internationally-renowned birders’ paradise. It will also be developed as a national centre for excellence in water sports. —Sukhvinder Sukhu, Chief Minister

Sukhu directed the officers concerned to expedite the work on the projects and complete them within the stipulated time. He said that the government had declared Kangra as the tourism capital of the state and necessary tourism infrastructure was being created in the district to facilitate tourists. “The Pong Dam will be transformed into an internationally-renowned birders’ paradise. It will also be developed as a national centre for excellence in water sports,” he added.

He said that the Kangra airport was being expanded and it would go a long way in attracting high-end tourists to the region. He added that the number of tourists visiting Himachal had increased significantly, touching 1.13 crore uptill July this year.

Chairman of the HP Tourism Development Board RS Bali and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur attended the meeting.